Slip



Sept. 27, 1938. G. D. JOHNSON ET AL SLIP Filed July 21, 1936 2: Sl1eets-Sheei l //////IIIIIIIIIII/// Sept. 27; 19 38."- G. D. JOHNSON ET AL SLIP Filed July 21,1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mum I M;

7 mm x 3m Patented Sept. 27, 1938 UNITED STATES SLIP Glenn D. Johnson and Charles H. Hag-dies, Los Angeles ,Calif., assignors to Baash-Ross Tool Company, Los Angelcs, Calif., a. corporation of 1 California Application July 21, 1936, Serial No. 91,674

19 Claims.

This invention has to do with well drilling apparatus and has particular reference to slips for use in the rotary table of a well drilling rig. A general object of this invention is to provide improved, particularly effective gripping slips of the character referred to.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips for use in a rotary table that embody'object or pipe gripping elements which automatically conform to and obtain full gripping engagement with the object or pipe.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned embodying shiftable gripping elements and simple, effective means for automatically rocking or shifting the elements into full balanced engagement with the pipe or object.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned embodying rockers or equalizers shiftable on surfaces of the slip bodies to bring the pipe gripping elements into full equalized engagement with the pipe or object irrespective of the points of initial contact of the gripping elements with the pipe or object.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned in which the pipe gripping elements are brought into full equalized engagement with the object or pipe without moving vertically relative to the slip bodies or the pipe whereby they may obtain proper extensive engagement with the pipe.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned that each embody body sections connected by improved hinge means that allow the individual body sections to rock and shift with respect to one another to conform to and properly seat in the rotary table bushing.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved slips of the character mentioned that are easy and convenient to handle and manipulate.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following Fig. 2 is an enlarged lon line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse detailed sectional View taken substantially as indicated by line 33 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 4-4 on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional View taken in the plane indicated by line 55 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation of the outer side of one of the slips with the handle in vertical section, being a View taken substantially as indicated by line 6-6 on Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line l -J on Fig. 6, and Fig. 8 is a fragmentary transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 8-8 on Fig. 6.

The features of the present invention are adapted to be embodied in slips varying somewhat in construction and in sets of separate or individual slips. closure we will describe a typical form of the invention comprising a set of two slips S each slip In the following detailed discomprising two slip units or sections connected 7 for relative movement. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific embodiment about to be described but that it is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims. As the two slips S illustrated may be identical, we will proceed with a detailed description of one slip S, it being understood that such description is equally applicable to the other slip.

The improved slip S provided by the present invention includes, generally, two slip body sections l0, means II hingedly connecting the sections l0, shiftable pipe engaging elements I2 at the inner sides of the body sections 10 and rockers or equalizers I3 between the body sections ill and the elements 12 to effect the proper engagement of the elements with the objector pipe to be handled.

The slip body sections 10 are adapted to be inserted in the opening 0 of a rotary table bush ing B to bring the elements l2 into gripping and supporting contact with a pipe P extending through the bushing B. The body sections II] of the slip may be simple integral members and may be alike or complementary in shape. In accordance with the invention the body sections Iii are vertically elongated members having vertical cylindrically co-ncaved inner surfaces [4 for receiving or fitting about the pipe P with suitable clearance. Theouter or rear surfaces 15 of the sections III are transversely or horizontally convexed and are tapered downwardly and inwardly to seat on the wall of the tapered bushing opening 0. The lower outer corners of the sections In may be tapered or bevelled away to facilitate the introduction of the slip in the opening The upper outer portions of the body sections I!) may be cored or of skeleton formation to reduce the weight of the slips. In the case illustrated in the drawings the upper outer portions of the body sections II] comprise longitudinally extending ribs I6 connected by transverse ribs IT. The upper ends l8 of the body sections II] may be flat and horizontal. Each body section III may have flat vertical and. substantially parallel sides I9 whereby the adjacent or opposing sides I9 of the sections In have substantial clearance and whereby the weight of the slips is reduced. The body sections are related so that their adjacent or opposing sides I9 are outwardly or rearwardly divergent.

The means II for connecting the body sections I 0 is such that the sections I0 may independently shift to properly seat in the bushing opening 0. The means II is in the nature of a hinge connection and includes spaced lugs or cars 23 on one section II! and spaced ears 2| on the other section I8. The ears 20 and 2! are located to be in sets or pairs as illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7 of the drawings. In the particular case illustrated the cars 20 are located at the inner sides of the spaced ears 2|. Vertical openings 22 are provided in the ears 28 and vertical openings 23 are provided in the ears 2| in alignment with the openings 22. The openings 22 are preferably larger in diameter than the openings 23. A hinge pin 24 is arranged vertically through the sets of aligned openings 22 and 23. A head 25 is provided on one end of the pin 24 and a retaining key or pin 26 is provided on the other end part of the pin 24 to prevent axial displacement of the pin. The pin 24 passing through the openings 22 and 23 connects the two body sections ID for relative pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis. The hinge pin 24 passes through the openings 22 with substantial clearance whereby the body sections I 0 may rock or tilt relative to one another.

The invention provides means for controlling the relative lateral movement and rocking movement of the two body sections I0. Axially shiftable sleeves 2'I surround the hinge pin 24 and have spherically curved surfaces 28 cooperating with or partially entering the openings 22 at the opposing sides of the ears 20. A spring 29 surrounds the hinge pin 24 and is arranged under compression between the sleeves 21. The spring 29 maintains the surfaces 28 in cooperation with the ears 20 at the opposing ends of the openings 22 to yieldingly resist relative lateral shifting and rocking of the body sections I0. When there is a. pronounced tendency for the body sections ID to rock or tilt relative to one another or to shift laterally relative to one another the cooperation of the surfaces 28 with the ears 20 may cause the spring 29 to yield whereby the sleeves 2'! shift along the pin 24 as the sections: Ill shift relative to one another. In this manner the connecting means I I between the two sections l0 resists relative lateral movement and tilting of the sections IE but allows such movement to permit the sections ID to conform to the opening 0 in the bushing B as the slips engage about the pipe P. The extent of relative lateral shifting and rocking of the slip sections I0 is limited by the amount of clearance of the pin'24 in the openings 22. The sections ID are, of course, free to pivot or hinge on the pin 24 whereby they may readily seat in the bushing opening 0. Stop faces 30 are provided on the ears 20 and H to cooperate with the adjacent side surfaces I9 of the sections III to limit relative pivoting of the sections. The means Il may include a protective tube 3| surrounding and enclosing the spring 29 and the sleeves 21.

The slip S is preferably provided with a handle 32 whereby it may be conveniently lifted and manipulated. The particular handle 32 illustrated in the drawings has a suitable loop or head at its outer end for engagement by the operators and is provided at its inner end with spaced arms 33. The inner ends of the arms 33 are received between spaced lugs 34 on the adjacent rear corners of the body sections In. Pins 35 are carried by and extend between the lugs 34 and pass through openings 36 in the handle arms 33 to pivotally secure the handle 32 to the two body sections I 0. The arms 33 are received between the lugs 34 with substantial clearance and the pins 35 pass through the openings 36 with substantial clearance. The clearance at these points allows the relative lateral shifting and tilting of the body sections III as the slip S is seated in the opening 0 to engage about the pipe P.

The elements l2 are the pipe or object engaging parts of the slip and an element I2 is provided on each body section ID. The elements I2 are longitudinally or substantially vertically disposed at the inner or active sides of the slip body sections. III. In practice the elements I2 are plate-like parts and may be substantially rectangular in front or face elevation. The active inner sides of the elements 22 are cylindrically concaved to conform to the pipe P and are provided with wickers or teeth 31. The teeth 31 may extend horizontally or circumferentially and face upwardly and inwardly to dependably grip and support the pipe P. In accordance with the invention the outer or rear surfaces 38 of the elements I2 are flat and are substantially vertical when the elements are in their normal positions. The gripping elements I2 are preferably proportioned so that their upper, lower and side edges are spaced within or inwardly from the adjacent edges of the body sections Ill. The sections III are relieved or recessed to receive or partially receive the pipe engaging elements I2. Recesses 39 corresponding in shape to the elements I2 are provided in the inner sides I4 of the sections III to receive the elements. The rear walls of the recesses 39 may be flat and vertical and are spaced from the rear sides 38 of the elements I2 so that they are not normally contacted by the elements.

The upper and lower ends 40 of the pipe engaging elements I 2 are preferably curved about horizontal axes spaced rearwardly or outwardly from the elements so that they converge forwardly or inwardly. The lower walls M of the recesses 39 are correspondingly curved and are shiftably engaged by the lower ends of the elements I2. Keepers or retaining bars 42 are arranged in the upper portions of the recesses 39. The bars 42 are arranged in place after the positioning of the elements l2 and together with the walls 4I assist in retaining the elements in position. The bars 42 fit against the upper and rear walls of the recesses 39 and their forward or inner faces may be 'concaved and flush with the inner sides I4 of the sections ID. The lower surfaces 43 of the bars 42 have thesame curvature as the upper ends of the elements I-2'and are shiftably engaged thereby. The lower walls 4| ofthe recesses 39 and the lower surfaces 43 of the bars 42 cooperate with the'endslflof-the elemental-2 to prevent vertical shifting -of-theelements I2 relative to the sections I and to' assist-in preventing inward loss or displacement of the elements from the recesses 39. The keepers or bars 42 may be formed of relatively hard rubber or the like to prevent dirt fromentering behind the equalizers I3 and to assist in retaining the equalizers in the proper cooperation with the other parts. The bars 42 are locked or secured to the body sections II). In the particular case illustrated in the drawings retaining pins are arranged through aligned horizontal openings-in the sections III and the bars 42 toremovably-secure the bars in place. The securing pins 43 may be locked against displacement by-pins 44 arranged in vertical openings in the body sections I0 and the pins 43 7 I I The invention preferably, includes ..means for positively preventing bodily-vertical shifting. of the elements I2 and inward loss. or. displacement of the elements. A central lug 45 is provided on the rear side 38 of each element I2. Thelugs. 45 preferably have flat vertical sides. Substantially horizontal pins 46 are carried in openings 41 in the body sections I0 and pass through openings 48 in the lugs 45. The pins 46 cooperate with the openings 48 to positively prevent loss of the elements I2 and undesired vertical movementof the elements. The openings 48 preferably receive the pins 46 with sufiicientclearance to allow the desired movement of the elements I2. Dowels or pins 49 may be arranged through openings in the body sections III and the retaining pins 46 to hold the pins 46 against displacement. The elements I2 supported or arranged as just describedare substantially vertically disposed at the inner sides of the body sections I0 and are positioned to, have their teeth 31 project beyond the inner surfaces I4 of the sections III to contact thepipe P.

The rockers or equalizers I3 ,are interposed between the rear surfaces 38 of the elements I2 and the body sections III to effect automatic alignment and full contact of the elements I2 with the pipe P when the slip Sis arranged in the opening 0 about the pipe P. In accordance with the invention the equalizers I 3 move verti cally on surfaces 50 of the body sections III to rock or tilt the elements I2. In the preferred construction illustrated the equalizers I3 are segmental in side elevation having cylindrically convexed rear surfaces 5| and flat forward orinner surfaces 52 which are chords of thecurved surfaces 5I. The convex surfaces 5| of the equalizers I3 are preferably curved abouthorizontal axes and may be cylindrically curved, asillustrated. The surfaces 5| are preferably of sub stantial extent and have a relatively long radius of curvature. In practice the curved surfaces 5| may extend between the upper and lower ends of the equalizers I3. I

The surfaces 50 are provided on the body sections III to receive and cooperate with the surfaces 5| of the equalizers I3. The surfaces 50 facein-v wardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening 0 and are concaved or curved to ,correspond to and cooperate with thesurfaces 5I., .It will be observed that the'provision of. the.sur-. faces 50 requires the forming of sockets or-cavities 52 in the body sections III-to receive or house the equalizers I3. wardly or rearwardly from the rear wall-of the re--.

ments.

The cavities 52 extend outcesses-39. I The opposite sides 53 of the equalizers I3 may be flat and vertical and the opposing or adjacent walls of the cavities 52 may likewise be flat and vertical. -It is'to be understood-that while we have shown the equalizers I3 provided with convex surfaces 5I to cooperate with concave body surfaces 50, the invention contemplates the provision of concave surfaces on the equalizers I5 for cooperating with convex surfaces on the body sections I0. p

The parts are proportioned and related so that the surfaces 5| of the equalizers I3 shiftably bear on the concave body surfaces 50 while the inner surfaces 38 of the elements I2 bear on the surfaces 52 of the equalizers. The equalizers I3 are free to shift along the body surfaces 50 under the influence of force transmitted through them between the elements I2 and the body sections III. The equalizers I3 shifting vertically along the surfaces 50 by the force resulting from the engagement of the elements I2 with the pipe P operate .to tilt or.rock.the elements I2 to bring them into full equalized engagement with the pipe wherebythe gripping and supporting forces are distributed throughout the lengths of the. ele- I-Iorizontal openings 55 are provided in the equalizers I3 to receive the lugs 45 with substantial clearance. Elongate or arcuate slots 56 areprovided in the equalizers I3 to receive the pins 46. The openings 55and the slots 56 respectively receive the lugs 45 and the pins 46 with sufiicient clearance to permit the desired shifting of the equalizers I3 along the body surfaces 50. It willbe noted that the pins 46 connect the body sections I0, the elements I2 and the equalizers I3 together to have the desired relative movement.

In employing the slips of the present invention the slips S may be individually lifted and handled by means of their handles 32. When it is desired to grip or support the pipe P passing through the opening 0, the slips S are inserted downwardly inthe opening to engage about the pipe P. The inclined outer surfaces I5 of the body sections I0 cooperate with the inclined wall of the opening 0 togurge the elements I2 inwardly against the pipe P. v As described above, the means II connect the sections III of theslips S for relative pivotal movement and for limited relative lateral movement and rocking so that the sections III may properly conform to and seat on the wall of the opening 0. As the slips S move downwardly in the opening 0 the elements I2 come into engagement with the pipe P. The elements I2 may each have limited initial engagement with the pipe P and this engagement results in the application of forces to the equalizers I3. In the event that an element I2 has only partial or limited engagement with the pipe P the, forces resulting from this engagement are transmitted" through the equalizer I3 and result in shifting or moving of the equalizer along the body surface 50., The equalizer I3 moving along the surface 55 and engaging the surface 38-of the element I2 shifts or tilts the element as it moves. This movement of theequalizer I3 brings the element I2 into alignment with the pipe P so that its teeth 31 may all grip the pipe. The equalizer I3 in the case just mentioned will shift along the surface 50 until the forces acting upon it are balanced at which time the element I2 will be in full cooperation with the pipe P. The element I 2' may properly conform to the pipe while the equalizers mayindependently properly conform .to the body section III. The several equalizers I3 of course operate independently to effectthe balanced and full engagement of the elements 12 with the pipe P. h

It -will be observed that the elements [2 are aligned and brought into complete engagement with the pipe P without vertical shifting relative to either the pipe P or the body sections l0. Accordingly, the teeth 31 almost immediately obtain proper and full gripping engagement with the pipe. The equalizers l3 operate entirely automatically to position and align the gripping elements l2 with the pipe ,P to assure the dependable and proper engagement of the elements with the pipe. The slips 0f the present invention embodying the shiftable gripping elements l2 and the equalizers [3 are particularly effective and dependable in operation. Further, the slips S are simple to manufacture and are convenient to handle and manipulate.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of the invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A slip for use in the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, the body having an inclined outer surface for cooperating with the wall of said opening to transmit forces between the body and the table and to urge the body inwardly toward the object to be gripped, a shiftable gripping element at the inner side of the body, and an equalizer interposed between the body and gripping element and shiftably cooperating with both the body and element to shift the element into full contact with the object being gripped.

2. A slip for use in the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, an inclined outer surface on the body cooperable with the wall of said opening to transmit forces between the body and the table, a tiltable gripping element at the inner side of the body for gripping an object extending through the opening, and a rocker bearing between the body and the element and'shiftably cooperating with both the body and element to tilt the element into full contact with the object being gripped.

3. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, an inclined outer surface on the body adapted to substantially conform to the Wall of said opening, a tiltable gripping element at the inner side of the body for gripping said object, means for directly transmitting vertical forces from the element to the body, and a rocker bearing between the body and the element and shiftably cooperating with both the body and element to tilt the element into full conformity with the object to be gripped.

4. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a wedge-like body having an inclined outer surface for conforming .to the Wall of said opening, a shiftable gripping element at the inner side of the body, and a segmental equalizer shiftably bearing on opposing surfaces of the body and gripping element tobring the element into full engagement with thesaid object when it contacts the same.

5. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body having a curved inwardly facing surface and an inclined outer surface for cooperating with the wall of said opening, a tilt able gripping element atthe inner side of the body spaced from said surface, and an equalizer shiftably engaging said curved surface and shiftably cooperating with the element to bring the element into. conformity with the said object.

6. A slip for grippinfg ,an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body having a surface inclined downwardly and inwardly with respect to the central axis of said opening to conform to the wall of the opening, a gripping element at the inner side of the body, means retaining the element on the body for tilting movement about a substantially horizontal axis, and a shiftable equalizer interposed between and shiftably engaging opposing surfaces of the body and element to tilt the element into balanced engagement with the said object.

7. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, an inclined surface on the body for cooperating with the wall of said. opening to support the body in the opening, a gripping element at the inner side of the body, means retaining the element for tilting movement and operable to transmit vertical forces from the element to the-body, and a vertically shiftable equalizer shiftably bearing against opposing surfaces of the body and element to tilt the element into full engagement with the said object.

8. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, an inclined surface on the body cooperating with the wall of the tapered opening, a rocking gripping element at the inner side of the body bearing on the body for the transmission of vertical forces thereto, a concave surface on the body spaced outwardly from the element, and an equalizer between the body and element having a surface shiftably cooperating with the element and having a convex surface shiftably bearing on the said concave surface.

93. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, an inclined outer surface on the body for bearing on the wall of said opening, a curved surface at the inner side of the body, a rocker having a curved surface shiftable on the curved surface of the body, and a tiltable gripping element shiftably bearing on the rocker to be tilted thereby into full engagement with the said object.

10. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, a body, an inclined outer surface on the body for bearing on the wall of said opening, an elongate vertically extending gripping element at the inner side of the body, means on the body tiltably carrying the element for the transmission of vertical forces to the body, and a segmental rocker shiftably cooperating with opposing surfaces of the body and gripping element to tilt the element into full cooperation with the object to be gripped.

-11. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including a body, an inclinedouter surface on the body' for bearing on the wall of said opening, a gripping element at the inner side of the body having an active forward face for gripping the said object and having a fiat rear face, a concave face on thebody opposing the element, and

a segmental equalizer bearing between the body and the element, and having its flat chordal face shiftably cooperating with the rear face of the element and its convex face shiftably cooperating with the concave face.

12. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table ineluding, a body, the body having an inclined outer surface for substantially conforming to the wall of said opening and an inner surface curved about a substantially horizontal axis, a gripping element, means supporting the element on the body for tilting about a substantially horizontal axis, and a rocker interposed between the body and element and having a curved surface vertically shiftable on the curved surface of the body and having a surface shiftably cooperating with the gripping element to tilt the gripping element into full cooperation with thesaid object.

13. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, two body sections each having an inclined outer surface for seating on the wall of said opening, means connecting the sections for relative shifting, a tiltable gripping element at the inner side of each section for gripping said object, and equalizers between opposing surfaces of the sections and elements and shiftable with respect to the sections and their gripping elements to tilt the elements in even contact with the object.

14. A slip for gripping an object extending through the tapered opening of a rotary table including, two body sections each having an inclined outer surface for seating on the wall of said opening, means connecting the sections for relative pivoting, tilting and vertical shifting, a gripping element at the inner side of each section for gripping said object, means associating each gripping element with its respective section for tilting movement about a substantially horizontal axis and equalizers shiftably cooperating with the sections and their respective elements for tilting the elements into full engagement with the said object.

15. A slip for gripping an object in the tapered .opening of a rotary table including, a body section having a recess in its inner side, and a cavity extending outwardly from the recess, an inclined outer surface on the body for shiftably seating in said opening, a gripping element in the recess for gripping said object, means retaining the element on the body section for tilting movement about a substantially horizontal axis relative to the body section, and a rocker shiftable in the cavity and shiftably cooperating with the gripping element to tilt the same.

16. A slip including, two body sections, means on each of the sections for engaging a pipe, spaced parts on the sections having aligned openings, a pin passing through said openings to hingedly connect the sections, the pin having clearance with the walls of said openings in the parts on one of the sections whereby the sections may have limited relative lateral movement when the pin is in said openings, and means yieldingly resisting such relative lateral movement.

17. A slip of the character described including, two body sections, means on each of the sections for engaging a pipe, spaced parts on the sections having aligned openings, a pin passing through said openings to hingedly connect the sections, the pin having clearance in said openings in the parts on one of the sections whereby the sections may have limited relative lateral movement when the pin is in said openings, and means yieldingly resisting such relative lateral movement.

18. A slip of the character described including, two body sections, means on each of the sections for engaging a pipe, spaced parts on the sections having aligned openings, a pin passing through said openings to hingedly connect the sections, the pin having clearance with the walls of certain of said openings whereby the sections may have limited relative lateral movement, and means yieldingly resisting such relative lateral movement, the last mentioned means including shiftable spring urged members cooperating with said certain openings.

19. A slip for use in the tapered opening of a rotary table to grip an object therein, the slip including, a body for arrangement in the opening, an outer surface on the body inclined downwardly and. inwardly with respect to the vertical axis of said opening to seat on its wall, a rockable gripping element at the inner side of the body for gripping the said object to support the same, the body and gripping element having spaced opposing surfaces, meansfor transmitting the vertical forces from the element to the body so that such forces do not tend to rock the element with respect to the body, and a member arranged between and shiftably cooperating with said opposing surfaces for the transmission of lateral forces between the body and element and for rocking the element into even engagement with the object.

GLENN D. JOHNSON. CHARLES H. HARDIES. 

